This tribute to Logan Schatz, the Humboldt Broncos' captain, was displayed at the memorial service for the 20-year-old forward on April 15, 2018.

Former Walton resident Wade Gould knew the Humboldt Broncos' captain Logan Schatz and said he appreciates the outpouring of support his home province has shown in light of the tragedy.

HANTS COUNTY, N.S. — A former Walton resident is thankful for the outpouring of support his home province has provided in the wake of the Humboldt Broncos tragedy.

Wade Gould, who grew up in Walton and moved out west in 1977, watched Logan Schatz, the team captain of the Humboldt Broncos, grow up playing hockey.

Schatz was one of 16 people who died following an April 6 accident between the Humboldt Broncos' bus and a semi-truck. The collision shook not only the junior hockey world, but the entire country, and beyond.

Tributes in memory of the hockey players popped up everywhere – from jersey day on April 12 to putting hockey sticks outside of homes and workplaces. A Go Fund Me page that was launched to raise money for the families of the deceased as well as the injured parties, brought in more than $15 million.

In Windsor, N.S., where the town lays claim to being the Birthplace of Hockey, the Windsor Hockey Heritage Society created a special book of condolences and encouraged residents to sign.

It was a gesture that Gould said was incredibly touching.

“It's unreal. It's great to see. It brought tears to my eyes,” said Gould in a phone interview, with his voice strained as he maintained composure.